On Oct. 9, an invasive mosquito species known as Aedes aegypti was discovered near the “Birdland” and Amador Valley neighborhoods. It was the first time since 2014 that these mosquitoes appeared in Alameda County.
The Aedes aegypti is a quarter-inch in size and has black and white stripes on its back and legs. It lays extremely small eggs in areas of open water including swimming pools, birdbaths, fountains, and pet dishes.
“I was quite scared and nervous about that when my child was sick. However we did take her to the doctor and it wasn’t anything but perhaps a stomach virus,” said PUSD Parent Sam Chiu.
Athletes, specifically swimmers at Amador and the Dolores Bengtson Aquatic Center, are susceptible to direct contact with the infected water in their everyday practices. Pets are also at risk of drinking the water from their pet dishes.
“I’m very concerned for the swimmers. It could become a really big problem if this is not addressed fast enough,” said Francesca Lin (‘27), a member of the Pleasanton Seahawks.
Parents residing in the Amador Valley communities have expressed their concerns over the mosquitos. Their ability to spread deadly diseases such as dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever has alarmed parents and pet-owners alike.
“[We must] make sure that [communities] are not going to become a breeding ground for the mosquitos. It will impact the community quite a bit in terms of kids running around the schoolyard or getting bitten,” said Chiu.
Reduce the impact
To reduce the risk of mosquitos, the district has planned door-to-door investigations of catch basins and storm drains. The city has urged residents to rid properties of standing water, wear clothes with full coverage, and close windows.
“My family is trying to limit the amount of time we spend loitering around in the backyard,” said Avery Gore (‘27), a resident of the district.
The City of Pleasanton has attempted to spread the word relating to the mosquitos’ priority level and necessary precautions. Chiu listed certain steps she would be taking to prevent the further spread of the mosquitos.
“The officials in Pleasanton are doing quite a good job in trying to locate and contain the mosquitos, so I don’t think it’s an immediate emergency. Most of us have front yards or backyards with irrigation systems and plant pots. We should make sure we don’t create those types of breeding grounds [for the mosquitos],” said Chiu.
